An electric skillet is a versatile and convenient cooking appliance that can make meal preparation much easier. With adjustable temperature controls, large cooking surfaces, and removable parts for easy cleaning, electric skillets allow you to sauté, bake, fry, and more.

Knowing the best time to purchase one of these handy appliances can help you save money and get the most out of your new electric skillet. This comprehensive buying guide covers tips, factors to consider, and the optimal times to shop for an electric skillet.

Why Buy an Electric Skillet?

Before discussing when to shop, let’s review the key benefits of owning an electric skillet:

Convenience and Ease of Use

Electric skillets provide a large, flat cooking surface that distributes heat evenly across the entire pan. This makes them perfect for dishes that require gentle, consistent heating like pancakes, eggs, and more. The built-in temperature controls allow you to easily adjust the heat as needed without worrying about hot spots.

Versatility

An electric skillet can be used for all kinds of cooking methods beyond just frying. The lid transforms it into an oven, allowing you to bake casseroles, roast vegetables and meat, and more. Models with deep sides make electric skillets great for preparing soups, stews, and pasta dishes too.

Portability

Since electric skillets simply need to be plugged in, they offer more flexibility than a stove or oven in terms of where in your home or outdoor space you can use them. Bring your electric skillet to the patio for outdoor parties and barbecues or use it in spaces without a kitchen like dorm rooms, offices, garages, and cabins.

Affordability

Purchasing an electric skillet is budget-friendly since they tend to cost less than many other small kitchen appliances. And because they combine the functions of several different cooking tools in one, electric skillets are cost-effective too.

Key Factors To Consider When Buying an Electric Skillet

Keep the following factors in mind as you evaluate different electric skillet models:

Size

Electric skillets come in sizes ranging from around 8 inches in diameter up to 16 inches or larger. Consider what quantities of food you typically cook at once and choose a size that fits your needs. Larger families will benefit from a 12-16 inch skillet.

Shape

The most common shape is round but some electric skillets feature a rectangular or square design instead. Square and rectangular pans provide more usable surface area for cooking larger batches.

Temperature Range

Check that the electric skillet you’re considering reaches temperatures between 200°F on the low end for simmering up to 400°F for searing and frying. Variable temperature control allows you to fine tune the heat as needed.

Cooking Surface Material

Nonstick coatings, ceramic, and cast iron are all common electric skillet cooking surface materials, each with their own pros and cons. Make sure to match the surface to your most frequent cooking needs.

Depth

Standard electric skillets are around 2-3 inches deep but some models may be over 4 inches deep. Deep designs are great for cooking wet dishes but shallow pans are usually better for searing and frying.

Extra Features

Higher end electric skillets may come with bonus features like a vented tempered glass lid, integrated drip trays, detachable heating elements, and more. Consider whether any extra features will enhance convenience and functionality.

When Are the Best Months To Buy an Electric Skillet?

Timing your electric skillet purchase strategically can help you take advantage of periodic sales throughout the year. Here is an overview of the best months to find discounts:

January

Retailers often drop prices in January to entice shoppers after the holiday season ends. January is a good time to find deals on small kitchen appliances, including electric skillets.

May

In May, look for graduation and wedding gift sales which frequently apply to kitchen appliances. Electric skillets can make great gifts for young graduates setting up their first apartment or newlyweds furnishing their homes.

September

September is a major month for appliance sales in anticipation of the fall baking and cooking season. You’ll see both one-day flash sales and longer early Black Friday sales.

November

Obviously, November is the standout month for appliance deals thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Electric skillet prices get slashed along with most other home and kitchen devices.

Outside of these key months, also keep an eye out for periodic one-day sales hosted by online retailers like Amazon Prime Day or WayDay by WayFair. Discount events from individual appliance brands like Ninja and Cuisinart can feature electric skillet deals too.

Sign up for newsletters and alerts from your favorite appliance retailers in order to stay on top of upcoming sales. Reviewing weekly ads from local department stores and big box chains like Target and Walmart can help you spot deals as well.

Where To Shop for the Best Electric Skillet Deals

Check both brick and mortar stores along with online retailers when deal hunting for an electric skillet:

Department Stores

In store, check major department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Boscov’s. Around the holidays and other peak deal times, you’ll likely spot electric skillets on sale either online or in store.

Big Box Retailers

Discount and bulk retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club offer affordable prices on electric skillets year round. Their sales around November and December drop prices even lower.

Hardware Chains

Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have a surprisingly good selection of kitchen appliances. Take advantage of their holiday sales, clearance events, and daily deal offerings.

Small Kitchen Appliance Brands

Keep tabs on sales and deals from top electric skillet brands like Nesco, Oster, Presto, Hamilton Beach, and others by signing up for their promotional emails and checking their websites regularly.

Online Marketplaces

Amazon, eBay, Overstock, WayFair, Hayneedle, and other online marketplaces allow you to easily compare prices across electric skillet models and brands. Look for coupons, flash deals, and clearance listings.

Cash Back and Rewards Sites

To maximize savings, make purchases through cashback sites and apps like Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal, Ibotta, and Dosh. These services provide a percentage of cash back for online shopping that can really add up.

How To Choose the Best Electric Skillet Model

Once you’ve decided on the right time to buy based on upcoming sales, selecting the perfect electric skillet comes down to determining what design and features best suit your cooking needs and preferences.As you compare different models, keep the following criteria in mind:

Size

Consider the quantities of food you typically cook at once as well as storage space in your kitchen cabinets and determine the ideal diameter size. Measure to make sure the electric skillet will actually fit where you plan to store it.

Temperature Range

Verify that the electric skillet reaches an adequate high temperature for searing and frying as well as a low enough setting for simmering sauces or keeping dips warm.

Shape

The circular shape offers more depth but rectangular pans provide greater overall surface area. Choose based on whether you’ll mainly be frying foods or cooking larger batches.

Cooking Surface

Evaluate the pros and cons of various cooking surface materials based on your most frequent cooking needs. Ceramic and cast iron retain heat well for searing while nonstick coatings make cleanup easier.

Depth

Shallower pans excel at quick frying while deeper electric skillets accommodate boiling pasta, simmering stews and chilis, and preparing other liquid-based dishes.

Extra Features

Determine whether special additions like an integrated spout for draining grease, vented glass lid, detachable heating element for immersible washing, or nonslip feet will actually prove useful or just add unnecessary cost.

Brand Reputation & Reviews

Stick to well-known brands with largely positive customer reviews. Be sure to read feedback related to durability, ease of use, temperature regulation accuracy, and more.

Price

Set a firm budget and find the electric skillet that best meets your needs at the most affordable price point. Remember to account for any applicable coupons, rebates, or cash back offers to further reduce the price.

Warranty

Ideally, purchase an electric skillet with at least a one year limited warranty included by the manufacturer. Extended warranties can provide further protection.

Top 5 Electric Skillets

To give you a sense of the excellent electric skillets available across different price points, here is an overview of 5 top rated models:

Best Overall: Oster CKSTSKFM12-ECO DuraCeramic Electric Skillet

With a heavy-duty yet lightweight aluminum body, unique honeycomb DuraCeramic nonstick coating, and adjustable temperature dial, this 12 inch Oster electric skillet consistently earns rave reviews. The integrated pouring spout makes it easy to drain grease too.

Key Features:

• 12 inch diameter
• DuraCeramic nonstick coating
• Temperature range 200°F – 400°F
• Glass lid with steam vent
• Grease draining spout
• 1 year limited warranty

Runner Up: Presto 06852 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet

This extra large 16 inch electric skillet from Presto is excellent for batch cooking and features a setup that folds down flat for compact storage. The premium nonstick surface allows for metal utensil use and wipe clean ease.

Key Features:

• 16 inch diameter cooking surface
• Heavy cast aluminum base
• Premium nonstick coating, PFOA free
• Fold down design
• Tempered glass lid with steam vent
• Heat control removes for immersion washing
• 1 year limited warranty

Best Square Design: Oster CKSTSKFM05 16 Inch Electric Skillet

With its square shape that provides more overall cooking area than a traditional round pan, this 16 inch Oster electric skillet allows you to cook larger batches. The DuraCeramic coating ensures excellent nonstick properties and easy cleaning too.

Key Features:

• 16 inch square shape
• DuraCeramic nonstick coating
• Temperature range 200°F – 400°F
• Glass lid with steam vent
• 1 year limited warranty

Best Budget: Nesco ES-08 8 inch Electric Skillet

As a smaller yet still versatile option, this 8 inch electric skillet from Nesco delivers reliable performance at an ultra affordable price point. It’s an ideal starter skillet for dorm rooms, RVs, offices, and other small spaces.

Key Features:

• 8 inch diameter
• Nonstick cooking surface
• Temperature range to 400°F
• Glass lid
• Stay-cool handles
• 1 year limited warranty

Best High End: All-Clad E7859464 HA1 Hard Anodized Electric Skillet

On the luxury end of the spectrum, All-Clad’s electric skillet features a hard anodized aluminum construction that heats quickly and evenly. With its high sides, nonstick surface, and steam vented lid, it excels at one-pan meals.

Key Features:

• 12 inch diameter
• Hard anodized aluminum
• Premium nonstick PFOA-free coating
• 4 inch depth
• Glass lid with steam vent
• Bonded stainless steel base
• 3 year limited warranty

Electric Skillet Care & Maintenance Tips

Caring properly for your electric skillet helps prevent damage and keeps it working its best over years of regular use. Here are some key electric skillet care pointers:

Clean After Each Use

Allow the skillet to fully cool after cooking then wipe away any stuck on food debris with a soft non abrasive sponge or cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

Wash Removable Parts By Hand

Detachable heating elements, lids, and other removable pieces should be hand washed with non abrasive cleaners rather than placed in the dishwasher which can lead to warping and corrosion over time.

Check Interior Coating

Inspect the nonstick coating inside the skillet periodically for any scratches, chips, or signs of wear which may indicate a need to replace the appliance if damage is extensive.

Descale Regularly

To prevent mineral buildup, fill the electric skillet with equal parts white vinegar and water and bring the solution to a gentle simmer on the low temperature setting. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean.

Avoid Metal Utensils

Unless explicitly stated safe for use by the manufacturer, refrain from using metal spatulas, tongs, or other utensils when cooking in the electric skillet to prevent scratching the cooking surface. Use wood, plastic, or silicone accessories instead.

Check Temperature Accuracy

The temperature dial may lose accuracy over time. Occasionally test actual heating precision by using an independent meat thermometer or other heat proof probe tool to verify consistency.